verkraften

Verkraften is a German verb that means to be able to withstand, cope with, or endure something, often emotionally or physically. It can also be used metaphorically for digesting information or news. In everyday language it commonly appears with concrete or abstract objects that pose a challenge, such as losses, stress, or difficult experiences.

Grammar and usage notes: verkraften is a transitive verb and typically takes a direct object in the accusative, as in ich kann den Verlust verkraften (I can cope with the loss) or die Nachricht nicht verkraften (not be able to stomach the news). It is common in both formal and informal contexts. Synonyms include bewältigen, durchstehen, and ertragen, while verdauen is used more with the sense of mental processing or digestion of information.

Examples:

- Sie konnte den schweren Unfall kaum verkraften.

- Die Firma konnte den Verlusten verlässlich verkraften, obwohl es hart war.

Etymology and related terms: verkraften derives from the noun Kraft (strength) with the prefix ver-, which in German often adds a sense of overcoming or handling. Related verbs include bewältigen (to manage or master a task) and ertragen (to endure passively), with verkraften emphasizing active coping and processing, especially under strain.

Translations: In English, verkraften is commonly rendered as cope with, endure, or stomach (informal, with emotional weight). In usage, it signals the capacity to absorb or assimilate a difficult situation.

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